Ginger And Citrus: 5 Reasons This Is A Mixology Match Made In Heaven
Ingredient pairings are one of the most crucial aspects of mixology. When two elements that go really well together are added to cocktails and mocktails, they can turn simple drinks around to reveal complicated tasting notes in these mixes. Ginger and citruses such as lemons, limes and oranges is one such pairing that is thoroughly a match made in heaven.
As they come together, they manage to emanate fresh, spicy and acidic flavours that add lots of taste to drinks ranging from a ginger infused whisky sour to an elegant ginger and grapefruit gin fizz. Evidently, citruses and ginger are an interesting mixology pairing and can be used in different ways so they release their flavours into versatile blends.
Here are some of the reasons why ginger and citrus fruits are the perfect mixology coupling for mixing a wide variety of cocktails and mocktails – useful for a mixology enthusiast keen on working with this flavour combination:
Balancing Spice And Acidity
One of the most important reasons ginger and citruses work so well together is because of the flavour balance they offer. Ginger has an inherently spicy and zingy note which can become slightly overpowering when added by itself to drinks. But with the incorporation of an ingredient like lime juice or grapefruit juice or even lemon lime soda, the drink acquires an acidic touch which balances out some of the more overpowering spicy and earthy notes in spice, leading to a finely crafted, elegant beverage.
Layered Aromas
Another reason why ginger and citruses work so well together is because they offer layered aromas. While citrus fruits like yuzu and oranges have a very distinctly tart and sour scent, ginger has its own warm and spicy aroma that is just as prominent. When these are brought together, they create a stellar chemistry which is particularly useful for preparing fresh summertime mocktails. The oils in citruses like yuzu zest and the fruit’s juicy qualities lift up the aromatic compounds in ginger to become a fine mix of savoury and sour scents.
Flavour Depth And Brightness
A significant reason why ginger and citruses work so well together is because they imbue a lot of complexity and flavour depth into drinks without becoming too robust or overpowering. This means, cocktails such as a citrusy moscow mule or a ginger infused mojito complete with minty and tangy flavours attain a spicy and sour quality, yet they remain bright drinks that are crisp and cleanly flavoured. This pairing thus creates a dynamic and intentional base for cocktails, imbuing them with taste without the need to add too many ingredients.
Pairing With Versatile Spirits
As well, ginger and citrus fruits can bring together versatile ingredients. Not only do they work well individually when added to drinks but when they are paired, they go well with a number of different spirits and mixers. Where ginger and citruses manage to counteract the savoury and herbal touch of gin, they instead compliment the smoky and fruity qualities of tequila and mezcal to deliver a similarly bright and spiced flavour mix. Simultaneously, the caramelised touch of rum is balanced out by the acidity of lemons and the spiciness of ginger. So too, the richness of whisky is undercut by the zinginess of the two ingredients. This means, ginger and citruses are an excellent pairing for cocktails made with diverse spirits.
Seasonal Dynamic
Ginger and citruses is a combination that can work during most seasons. Where they can be added to hot tea brews on chilly monsoon evenings and hot toddies on winter nights, they can also be infused in cold sherbets and chilled mojitos on warm summer days. Generally, citruses are available across most seasons and so is the case with ginger, making their seasonal dynamic a favoured alternative for blending both hot and cold drinks complete with seasonally suitable components.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
